A bold, visionary plan to strengthen the Weinland Park neighborhood—led by the Weinland Park Collaborative, a public-private partnership formed in 2010—was the groundwork for an opportunity to apply for a national funding opportunity from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

During the late 1870s, Columbus banker and entrepreneur Joseph A. Jeffrey turned an inventor’s idea for undercutting coal into a booming manufacturer of mining machinery. More than a century later, thanks to Jeffrey’s foresight and philanthropy, the community continues to benefit from the Joseph A. Jeffrey Endowment Fund used to beautify or improve the city, supporting nonprofit organizations in Columbus and Franklin County.

The Columbus Foundation, its Supporting Foundations, and its donors have long supported Catholic Social Services through a variety of grants—including targeted investments to support the operation and renovation of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Center, increase recruitment for the Foster Grandparent Program, and help launch the pilot of Stay the Course®, among numerous other investments. In recognition of the organization’s contributions to strengthening and improving the community, The Columbus Foundation also named Catholic Social Services one of the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2017.

On the blog, Director of Kindness Kate Oliphint discusses how kindness prevails, where it can lead, and how to join the Center for HumanKindness in the journey to creating a kinder, more equitable community for all.

In this edition of the At the Table blog, 2022 Summer Fellow Jenna Hays offers a glimpse into her experience working alongside ARC Industries Inc. of Franklin County, Ohio (ARC) to increase community inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Discover how The Columbus Foundation celebrates and supports the vibrant arts community of Columbus, Ohio, by investing in organizations to meet community needs, expand arts and cultural programming, and enrich the region with creativity, entertainment, and the transformative power of art.

We all respond to crises differently. Some people buy the extra large bag of M&M’s. Others clean out their closets. Still others reflect on their life and their purpose. These days, many of us are doing all three. If you’ve noticed an increase in clients interested in legacy planning, the COVID-19 pandemic might be the reason.

Our Mission: To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.